The global market for bioplastics currently stands at approximately EUR 640m and is estimated to reach EUR 1.3 bn in 2012, according to data compiled by BBC Research (www.bbcresearch.com). Translated into tonnage, this means that this particular market is expected to grow at 17.3% annually, from 245,000 t in 2007 to 545,000 t in 2012, more than doubling in volume. That is the prediction of the Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of the Society of Plastics Industry (SPI, Washington, District of Columbia / USA; www.plasticsindustry.org).

Responding to this rapid growth, the Bioplastics Council recently published a 26-page “Bioplastics Industry Overview Guide.” Commenting on the digital guide, SPI president and CEO William R. Carteaux said: “As bioplastics continue to make inroads into new markets, the business world is taking notice and the desire to learn more about their properties, applications and potential for growth are at an all-time high.”

Bioplastics are plastics that are biodegradable or have a biobased content. They are currently used in a variety of applications, mostly as packaging material.

Global bioplastics market by application (in tonnes)
Application	2006	2007	2012	Annual Growth (2007-2012)
Compost bags	78,000	110,000	266,000	19.3%
Loose-fill packaging	69,000	73,000	97,000	5.7%
Other packaging	23,000	37,000	105,000	23.4%
Miscellaneous	15,000	25,000	77,000	25.0%
Total	185,000	245,000	545,000	17.3%

Source: SPI Bioplastics Council